Testing Ovarian Reserves for Infertility

Ovarian reserve testing (ORT) is used to check the functioning and quality of the ovaries. Every woman is born with a lifetime's supply of eggs. The eggs are stored in the ovaries. Every menstrual cycle hundreds of these eggs start maturing under the influence of the FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) but only one or two reach maturity. The health of the ovaries can be assessed using these tests.

• Clomid Challenge Test

  - This test is carried out twice during your menstrual cycle to measure the level of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).As the eggs reach maturation, the levels of FSH decrease due to hormones generated by the eggs themselves. So, a decreased FSH level during the initial phases of the cycle, is an indicator that the eggs are healthy.

• Ovarian Volume Assessment

  - This test uses a transvaginal ultrasound to determine the volume of your ovaries. The length, width and depth of each ovary is measured. A woman's ovaries become smaller as she grows older.

• Antral Follicle Count

  - This test is used to counts the number of egg follicles at the beginning of your menstrual cycle. If your follicles are lesser in number, you have a decreased ovarian reserve.